The Chen Mediation knowledge base
Everything about the practice in one structured place: what mediation is, what we help with, how the process works, and where we serve.
What mediation is
Mediation is a private, voluntary, and confidential process in which a neutral mediator helps people in a dispute reach their own agreement, rather than having a decision imposed by a court. It keeps control with the parties, protects privacy, and is designed to preserve relationships.
Chen Mediation is a boutique private practice led by Marissa Chen, J.D., a law-trained mediator. Chen Mediation provides mediation, not legal representation or legal advice. Marissa Chen, J.D. is a law-trained mediator and is not a licensed attorney. The work is to help people understand one another well enough to decide well, through a calm and structured process shaped around each matter.
What Chen Mediation helps with
Family Mediation
A private, structured process for families working through separation, parenting, financial, and generational decisions without escalating conflict.
Divorce Mediation
Confidential guidance for couples resolving property, support, and parenting questions with discretion, instead of a public, adversarial court battle.
Child Custody Mediation
A calm, child-centered process for building durable parenting schedules, communication frameworks, and decision-making agreements.
Business Mediation
Discreet resolution for owners, partners, and executives facing disputes that threaten operations, reputation, and long-standing relationships.
Partnership Disputes
For partners navigating ownership, compensation, succession, or exit disagreements who want a considered resolution rather than a rupture.
Civil Mediation
A private forum for contract, property, and commercial disputes that resolves matters efficiently and confidentially, away from the courtroom.
Workplace Mediation
Confidential facilitation for leadership, partner, and team conflicts that protects culture, careers, and the organization's reputation.
Online Mediation
The same considered, confidential mediation experience conducted securely by video, for clients who value discretion and convenience.
The mediation process
- A private consultation. A confidential conversation about your situation, with no obligation.
- Confidential preparation. Issues are organized privately before anyone sits down together.
- Guided sessions. Structured, respectful sessions led by a neutral mediator.
- Working toward agreement. Terms are drafted in clear, plain language.
- Clear next steps. A written summary, with independent legal review encouraged before signing.
Key terms
Mediation
A private, voluntary process in which a neutral mediator helps people in a dispute reach their own agreement, rather than having a decision imposed on them.
Mediator
The neutral person who guides the conversation. A mediator does not take sides, does not decide the outcome, and does not represent anyone.
Neutral
Impartiality toward everyone at the table. A mediator serves the whole process, helping each person be heard and understood.
Voluntary
Participation in mediation is by choice. Anyone may decline, and the process depends on everyone taking part in good faith.
Confidentiality
The principle that what is discussed in mediation stays private. In California, specific legal protections apply to mediation communications, subject to limits.
Caucus
A private conversation between the mediator and one party, held separately so that sensitive concerns can be explored candidly.
Joint session
A meeting where all parties are present together with the mediator to discuss issues and explore options.
Interests and positions
A position is what someone says they want. An interest is the underlying need behind it. Mediation focuses on interests, where agreement is usually found.
Good faith
Engaging honestly and constructively, with a genuine willingness to listen and to look for workable solutions.
Impasse
A point where progress stalls. Skilled mediation often finds a way through an impasse by reframing the issue or surfacing a new option.
Ground rules
The shared agreements about how people will speak and listen during sessions, which keep the conversation respectful and productive.
Memorandum of understanding
A written summary of the terms the parties have agreed to. Parties are encouraged to have it reviewed by independent legal counsel.
Facilitative mediation
A style in which the mediator focuses on guiding communication and helping the parties generate their own solutions.
Co-parenting plan
A structured agreement between parents covering schedules, communication, and decision-making, centered on the children's wellbeing.
Online mediation
Mediation conducted securely by video, preserving the same structure and confidentiality as meeting in person.
Party
Anyone directly involved in the matter being mediated.
Settlement
The agreement the parties reach that resolves some or all of the issues between them.
Binding and non-binding
Whether an agreement is legally enforceable. This depends on your circumstances and the steps taken afterward, which is why independent legal review matters.
Common questions
Mediation is a private, voluntary process in which a neutral third party, the mediator, helps people in a dispute talk through the issues and reach their own agreement. The mediator does not decide the outcome or take sides. The people involved keep control of the result.
Litigation is public, adversarial, and decided by a judge. Mediation is confidential, collaborative, and decided by the parties themselves. Mediation is usually calmer, more private, and better at preserving relationships that continue after the dispute.
Family matters such as divorce and parenting, along with business, partnership, workplace, and civil disputes. If you are unsure whether your situation is a fit, a private consultation is the best way to find out.
Not always. Mediation works best when everyone is willing to participate in good faith. Some matters need the court, and some may call for independent legal counsel first. A consultation helps clarify whether mediation is the right path for you.
No. Chen Mediation provides mediation services only. It is not a law firm, and it does not provide legal representation or legal advice.
Marissa Chen, J.D. is a law-trained mediator and is not a licensed attorney. Her legal education informs how she structures the process, but she does not act as anyone's lawyer and does not provide legal advice.
No. The practice provides a neutral process to help you reach your own decisions. For legal advice about your rights or obligations, you should consult an independent attorney. Independent legal counsel is encouraged whenever you need it.
Yes, that is often wise. Chen Mediation helps you reach an agreement in clear language, and you are encouraged to have it reviewed by an independent attorney before you sign, so you understand its full effect.
Every matter starts with a confidential consultation. It is a conversation about your situation, your priorities, and whether mediation is the right fit. There is no obligation to continue.
Yes. Mediation is voluntary, and it works because everyone chooses to take part. Often one person reaches out first, and the practice can help you think through how to invite the other party in.
Schedule a private consultation
Every matter begins with a confidential conversation. There is no obligation, and nothing is decided until you are ready.
Confidential. By appointment. In person across the West Valley and Conejo Valley, or securely online.